We’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network (ELHN).
This network was launched on the May 10, 2023 and was attended by 17 representatives from a variety of local community groups, organisations, and societies.
The ELHN has gone from strength to strength over the past year and now has 30 members who represent local heritage groups and societies from across the city.
This network is specifically for local groups and societies with a focus on the heritage of Edinburgh, with the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge as Honorary President.
The purpose of this network is to develop and maintain partnerships between local heritage groups and with Council services, chiefly Archives, Libraries, and Museums and Galleries. This is to better safeguard, enrich, and promote the city’s heritage together.
Membership of the ELHN is available to heritage groups and organisations based within the city. If you belong to a group that you think might benefit from this network, please contact us at archives@edinburgh.gov.uk
The network meets quarterly and focuses on subjects of interest to local heritage groups. Groups can also raise any specific issues or questions facing them that network members might be able to help with.
Currently, the key focus of the ELHN is the development of a new online membership directory and collaboration on the Edinburgh 900 programme with a focus on supporting local communities to celebrate this anniversary.
The full ELHN online directory can be found on our website.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and ELHN Honorary President, Robert Aldridge said:“I’m delighted that the ELHN has reached this milestone and I’d like to sincerely thank all the members, supporters and colleagues who have worked hard to grow and enhance this network.
“Edinburgh is a city of rich history and stories. We’re committed to sharing these as part of our Edinburgh 900 programme and the ELHN has a key role to play in these celebrations.”
RHASS Mighty Munro Muster will see all 282 Munros conquered within the same 24-hour window
Scotland’s leading agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), seeks avid adventurers to participate in an ambitious, and worthy fundraising feat.
Taking place on 21 September 2024, the challenge will involve a group of no less than 600 individuals split into teams of two or more, collectively ascending all 282 Munros within the same 24-hour window.
To succeed, each team is required to reach the summit of their selected Munro and return safely back down before the 24 hours is up, all while raising money for RHASS-funded projects aimed at those living and working in rural Scotland, safeguarding the rights of landowners, and preserving access to Scotland’s breath-taking landscapes.
The challenge is part of the society’s 240th anniversary year. Other activities include a year-long audio and visual storytelling project, 240 Years of Stories, to contribute towards the legacy of Scotland’s agricultural and rural community, and a series of Harvest Thanksgiving services will also take place.
RHASS will work with a range of partners to support participants in the run-up to the event, providing safety advice, training programmes, and guidance to ensure everyone is well equipped to take on the challenge.
Various resources will also be provided to support participants in their efforts to raise funds for the challenge.
In order to make sure all Munro’s are covered, applicants will be entered into a ballot, choosing their desired area and level of difficulty on entry. They will be assigned either their first or second choice of location and a Munro suitable to their abilities. People of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in what will be an exhilarating team challenge.
Alisdair Caulfield, RHASS Director of Advancement, said: “The collective effort involved in this challenge will not only be a testament to community spirit, but it will also be a wonderful celebration of Scotland’s rich rural heritage.
“We are aiming to sign up at least six hundred participants to ensure that no one faces the ascent alone, the logistics in that alone will be no easy feat. Additionally, we have also set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target, which will help RHASS and our partnering beneficiaries drive positive change and leave a lasting impact on rural communities.”
Munro-bagger Hollie Jenkins and her two spaniels Hugo and Spencer (@theedinburghspaniels)stepped up to support the drive for sign-ups, encouraging fellow dedicated hikers to take part in the daring challenge.
Hollie met with members of the RHASS team to share her passion for hiking in the Scottish Mountains and discuss the importance of preserving Scotland’s rural heritage.
Speaking on the challenge, Hollie said: “As an avid Munro bagger, I am honoured to be part of this remarkable challenge and encourage everyone to take part in the amazing opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of our country’s landscape.”
Land & Property Partner at Turcan Connell, Grierson Dunlop, said: “As sponsors of RHASS 2024, we are delighted to be part of the society’s assortment of activities and look forward to supporting this ambitious challenge and creative fundraising initiative.
“The Mighty Munro Muster Is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to help our rural communities prosper, stay active and take in the immense views from our impressive Scottish mountains.”
Those who think they can muster up the courage to take part can now sign up online at: https://rhass.org.uk/
Participants will receive a branded event t-shirt to wear during the climb and to capture that all-important selfie at the top.
A fund to help community groups across Scotland set up renewable energy generation projects has opened for applications.
The £1.5 million Community Energy Generation Growth Fund will support local communities installing wind turbines and solar panels or developing other types of renewable energy generation, such as hydro, to meet local needs.
Community groups will also be able to earn money from their projects by, for example, allowing them to sell excess energy generated.
The fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which, to date, has awarded more than £65 million in funding to over 900 renewable energy projects across the country.
The pilot scheme runs until March 2025 and will inform longer-term support for community-owned energy generation projects through CARES.
Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Scotland is fast becoming a renewable energy powerhouse, with enormous benefits for our people, economy and environment.
“Scotland’s communities must be at the heart of this journey. I am determined to ensure they can lead and benefit from this era defining transition.
“This fund will support the creation of locally owned energy projects which can reduce energy costs, generate revenue and help drive Scotland’s transition to net zero.”
Chris Morris manager at fund administrator, Local Energy Scotland said: “We are excited to support this fund and we know that there are communities across Scotland who are developing renewable energy projects who can accelerate their projects with this funding.
“This fund can help communities to realise their ambitions and Local Energy Scotland can help identify the best opportunities and prioritise next steps.”
Let’s Do Net Zero: Community Buildings Fund – which provides a rolling programme of support to communities, charities, and faith organisations to decarbonise their buildings and reduce energy bills.
Community Heat Development Programme – which works with community organisations and groups of householders to help develop ideas for locally generated, low and zero carbon heat projects.
When designing our disability benefits, Social Security Scotland collaborated with disabled people and their families to create a better and more compassionate system, putting dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.
Child Disability Payment was launched in November 2021. It helps families cover the extra costs of looking after a child or young person who is disabled, who has a long-term health condition or who is terminally ill. Importantly, it isn’t means tested.
Since its introduction, over 80,500 children and young people have received the payment, with more than £621 million being paid out.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, visited Carrongrange High School – Falkirk Council’s secondary school for pupils with severe and complex additional support needs – on 1 May.
The school’s motto is, ‘Carrongrange – Where you can be all you can be’.
We spoke to children and their families and learned what impact Child Disability Payment has on the lives of pupils who receive it and how it is helping them to live full and independent lives.
Dughall Boyne’s daughter, Rosselyn, has bilateral coloboma, a condition which prevented her eyes from developing properly. She receives Child Disability Payment.
Dughall, father of Rosselyn
According to Dughall: “Child Disability Payment has been very important for Rosselyn.
“Everything costs more when you have a disability. The payments have allowed us to find after-school activities for Rosselyn which have helped develop her independence. She likes horse-riding but riding lessons for the disabled cost a lot more, because you need three people around the horse.
“Rosselyn has now moved on to Adult Disability Payment and the transfer has been very smooth. We were told at regular intervals what was happening with things like setting up the named contact.
“There were no big forms to fill in and it was all online. We just had to tick the box saying that there had been no change in Rosselyn’s condition. Previously, with the DWP, there was a 13-page form to complete. It’s certainly helped to take a couple of hours off the process and it’s been well received by parents throughout the school.”
Catherine and her son Louis
Catherine Sneddon’s son, Louis, also goes to Carrongrange. She echoed Dughall’s words about Social Security Scotland’s human rights approach to delivering disability benefits.
“Louis has been on Disability Living Allowance since he was diagnosed in 2013. Back then I didn’t know if he’d be able to claim and it was a constant battle with the DWP.
“It’s only recently that he’s transferred over to Child Disability Payment. It was much more plain sailing than I anticipated. I expected a fight and what I got was a questionnaire through the post. The level of care he gets has been the same for three years so I ticked the box saying, ‘He’s stable.’ And that was it.
“With the DWP I would have had to get a letter from his neurologist to prove he still needed Disability Living Allowance for children. For them your child is what they see on the form. They don’t know how hard it is to care for a child with a disability at home, at school and in the community.
“Social Security Scotland is so different.”
Janine Proudlock, Carrongrange’s headteacher, described exactly how Child Disability Payment helps pupils be all they can be: “For me the Scottish Child Disability Payment supports families to ensure they have the right resources, at the right to time to do the right work to allow the whole family to flourish.
“Whether it’s caring support or specialised resources to meet their child’s needs, this is an essential fund to improve the lives of young people and their families.”
People can find out more about Child Disability Payment and apply by visiting mygov.scot/childdisabilitypayment or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by encouraging people to download its supported self-management resources.
My App: My Mental Health was created by NHSGGC to offer resources which support people to manage their mental health and wellbeing.
It is contained within the NHS Scotland Health Improvement Scotland Right Decisions: Health and Care app, which can be downloaded for free through the App Store on Apple and Android devices, or accessed via the website:
It provides self-management resources, information and advice on mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, eating disorders and self-harm, and highlights organisations offering further support.
There are also sections specifically developed for children and young people, and for carers.
NHSGGC is encouraging people to get the app as it uses Mental Health Awareness Week to highlight the resources available.
One in six adults in the UK has a mental health condition, with mixed anxiety and depression being the most common.
The app includes a library of information on mental health symptoms, and allows people to develop coping strategies and ways to manage their conditions.
Consultant Psychiatrist Nagore Penades, clinical lead for mental health at the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, encouraged people to download the app.She said: “Mental health and wellbeing are important to all of us, much as our physical health and we know that they can change quickly throughout our lives.
“We would like people to be more knowledgeable and support them in understanding their mental health by offering direct access to reliable self-management resources.
“Having this app on your phone means you have a vital resource available whenever you or someone you know might need it.
“We also know that many people turn to online resources to help with their mental health and wellbeing, but finding reliable, trustworthy up to date advice can be difficult online.
“This app provides a way for people who are experiencing difficulties to take a first step in dealing with them.
“All the resources available through the app have been reviewed by a multidisciplinary group of senior mental health practitioners in NHSGGC, so users can be assured that the advice being offered is evidence-based and appropriate.
“And, as we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we would encourage everyone to download and take a look at the app to see how it could help them.”
To access the app, follow these steps:
= Download the Right Decisions: Health & Care app = Select Public/Patient optionSelect My App: My Mental Health and add it to your toolkits = You can now access the resources directly under My Toolkits
For our first Open Day of this year, we are delighted to be taking part in Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024, this Saturday 18th May. You can drop-in anytime between 10am-3:30pm, or come for the programmed activities (times below). Feel free to just turn up! No need to book.
Day programme
10:30am-11.30am
Agroforestry Tour (meet at green portacabin near the Toby Carvery farm entrance)
11:45am-12:30pm
Market Garden tour (meet at Market Garden portacabin)
12:30-2:30pm
Pollinator Picnic with @Art for Granton Gas Tower artist Natalie Taylor (drop-in to the Wildflower Hill by the wooden gazebo)
1:30- 2:30pm
Agroforestry tour (meet at green portacabin)
2:45-3:30pm
Market Garden tour (meet at Market Garden portacabin)
+ Our Community Orchard volunteers will be around to chat about fruit trees
+ Farm staff and volunteers will be at the green portacabin from 10am and throughout the day to welcome you, chat and signpost you to walks and other points of interest across the farm
Lorna Slater, the local Scottish Green MSP for Lothian Region has hailed the transformative impact of free bus travel for everyone under 22 in Edinburgh.
New figures, published by the Scottish Government, show that over 85,314 young people in the capital city are already benefiting from the scheme, allowing them to travel anywhere in Scotland.
This groundbreaking initiative was secured through negotiations between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government. Scotland is the only country in the UK that offers free bus travel for all young people under 22.
Over 137 million free bus journeys have been taken across the country, allowing young people to travel for work or education, or simply to visit friends and family.
Ms Slater said: “The free bus travel scheme for under 22s has been transformative, and in some cases life-changing, for young people in Edinburgh.
“Allowing young people to access school, work or leisure for free is helping to support them and their families through a Tory cost-of-living crisis which has hit everyone in Scotland.
“The scheme has opened up huge opportunities for young people across our communities, creating exciting new chapters and helping them to explore the country and develop crucial skills for the future.
“Transport is Scotland’s largest source of carbon emissions. Encouraging people to use public transport rather than take the car is a huge boost for our environment and will reduce the number of cars on our roads.
“Over 85,000 young people in Edinburgh have already signed-up for their free pass, and I urge all those who have not yet registered to do so today at Freebus.scot.”
Health Secretary announces additional £100,000 for the initiative
A programme which uses football to promote mental health and wellbeing has received additional funding from Scottish Government. The Changing Room – Extra Time initiative has been awarded £100,000 for a fourth year.
It builds on The Changing Room – a 12-week programme which takes place at football stadiums across Scotland and supports men to open up as they participate in walking football games, stadium tours, pitch-side walks and talks from a motivational speaker.
Extra Time aims to give people the chance to speak in more depth about their mental wellbeing and explore areas which are giving them particular challenges or concerns.
The programme is delivered by SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) in partnership with the SPFL Trust and associated community trusts at Aberdeen (AFC Community Trust), Rangers (Rangers Charity Foundation), Heart of Midlothian (Big Hearts) and Hibernian (Hibernian Community Foundation) football clubs.
Health Secretary Neil Gray, who visited the initiative at Pittodrie, home of Aberdeen FC as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, said: “We know that it’s never been more important to look after our physical and mental wellbeing. It is pleasing to see this initiative go into its fourth year and to hear that is really is making a difference to people’s lives.
“We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about how we are feeling and this project has really helped people open up about their mental health.”
Billy Watson, Chief Executive at SAMH said: “The Changing Room – Extra Time project changes lives. It builds confidence, helps get relationships on the right track and it has even saved lives.
“Football and mental health are a great match. What this project shows is that football fans are not just comfortable talking about their mental health, they’re really keen to do so – as long as it’s in the right place.
“The Changing Room – Extra Time is the right place and we’re really grateful that the Scottish Government has agreed to continue to fund it.”
Kyle Hewitt, 37, from Dyce attended Changing Room Extra Time at Aberdeen FC and said: “I grew up aware of mental health and its potential impacts on people and those around them because of my own experience.
“But sometimes I didn’t feel like I had the ability to face the world. I had low moments as a parent and a husband, I wasn’t always nice to be around and I could be hyper-critical of myself.
“Then I embarked on a journey through Extra Time with like-minded men and amazing facilitators from SAMH. I realised I had been deflecting, avoiding and bottling things up. I was able to give myself credit for what I was doing.
“I also became more resilient and better at creating positive habits and finding ways to change my outlook and mind-set. I have thrived as a result.”
Aberdeen Community Trust Chief Executive, Liz Bowie said: “We are delighted to deliver the Changing Room Extra Time programme at Aberdeen FC Community Trust, working in partnership with SAMH and the SPFL Trust.
“We have learned so much through the support of SAMH, which has ensured that our staff are appropriately trained and mentored to provide excellent support to the men who participate in this initiative.
“We have seen amazing results and crucially have watched strong, supportive networks build amongst the participants which extend well beyond the term of the course itself. Football is a force for good and is so powerful in encouraging men to talk and open up to each other in support of their mental wellbeing.”
A Scottish Parliament Committee has reported its alarm at the gap between the ambitions and implementation of a policy that aspires for children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) to be taught in mainstream education.
Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee unanimously agreed that the policy behind mainstreaming is the best route forward, however its inquiry found that the Scottish Government and local authorities are failing to implement it properly.
Speaking as the report was published, Sue Webber MSP, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee, said:“The situation faced by children and young people with additional support needs is intolerable.
“During our inquiry, we were extremely concerned to hear about negative experiences of additional support for learning provision, the educating of children and young people in mainstream schools and the detrimental impact this has had on some pupils, their parents and carers, and teachers and support staff.
“Things must change. The Scottish Government and local authorities have been repeatedly warned about the consequences of failing to improve support for children with additional support needs. With a rising number of children reporting with additional support needs, a third of pupils in some areas, the Government and local authorities must not ignore the concerns and recommendations made in this report.”
During the inquiry, children and young people told the Committee that it can be hard to understand when someone does not give them the support they need and that a lack of support staff to cope with the number of pupils who need support can leave them feeling frustrated.
The Committee was particularly concerned by evidence that highlighted challenges of getting children the support they required.
In evidence to the Committee, the National Autistic Society said: “We see continually that autistic children and young people are forced to “fail” in mainstream settings before any other option or support is offered.
“Families have to fight the system to get that support, with many being forced into legal action and having to engage a solicitor before a solution is found.”
Other concerns raised in the Committee’s report look at the problems with a move towards open-plan schools, which could prove extremely overwhelming for children with autism and the number of neurodivergent children who are masking at school.
To improve the situation, the Committee makes several recommendations including reviewing placing requests, undertaking research on the prevalence and impact of masking, and urgently addressing gaps in specialist provision.
Responding to the report, a spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “The report by the Parliamentary committee on a lack of support to children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) is not a surprise to any of those involved in the sector.
“We have consistently warned of a potential ‘lost generation’ of those in this group, now amounting to more than 259,000 children.
“The number of those with ASN, such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems, amounts to more than a third of pupils, a doubling in numbers over the past decade, including an increase in those with complex needs.
“As a coalition of organisations that support vulnerable children and young people, we have however for many years shared the concerns of the committee over a lack of resourcing to support an escalating number of pupils with ASN, including a lack of specialist teachers and support staff.
“There has, for example, been a cut in ASN spending per pupil of just under £2,000 over the last decade, and the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen by just under 400.
“Under the new First Minister, we need a ‘national crusade’ to address of the needs of more than a third of our children and young people, providing the necessary resources to address their needs.
“While we support the principle of mainstreaming, that all children and young are taught in mainstream classes unless exceptional circumstances apply, it is difficult to see how this can work effectively when those with ASN are in many cases not receiving the necessary care and support.
“This situation is putting an incredible level of pressure on teachers and other staff, with an impact also in terms of surging levels of school violence and poor behaviour we are witnessing.
“The committee noted this gap between policy ambition and implementation, which is leading to mainstream education being ‘intolerable’ for many children and young people with ASN.
“There are also many of those in mainstream education, whose complexity of needs would be far better served in a special school setting, delivering what is best for their educational and social requirements.
“The Scottish Government, local authorities, health and other agencies need to work in collaboration with the private and third sectors to provide the necessary resourcing and support to address the needs of children and young people with ASN.“
FANTASTICAL BOOK LAUNCH AT MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL
Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading independent school for boys, hosted best-selling author AF Steadman for a private book launch and signing on 1 May.
Author of the award-winning Skandar series, Ms Steadman held the exclusive event at the Edinburgh school to celebrate the launch of the third instalment of the collection, Skandar and The Chaos Trials.
Merchiston was one of just three venues to host the author during a fleeting visit to Edinburgh, before she proceeded with the remainder of her UK tour.
Extending the invitation to several local schools including St. George’s School for Girls, Cargilfield Prep School, and Longstone Primary School, Merchiston welcomed over 250 children into its impressive Memorial Hall.
During the event, the author read an excerpt from the highly anticipated third novel, bringing to life her fantastical world of adventure, fierce friendships, rivalries, and heroic deeds for the audience of school children. A question-and-answer session ensued, followed by a book signing to conclude the event.
Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said:“It was a privilege to host Annabel Steadman and fellow Edinburgh schools for this incredible special occasion.
“Words have the power to connect and transport us to other worlds, and with her incredible, fantastical descriptions of ferocious unicorns and heroes – Steadman’s books most certainly do that!
“This book reading and Q&A offered pupils the chance to engage with literature in an exciting and inspiring way, and to celebrate the pure joy of reading.”
Author Annabel Steadman commented on the book launch: “It was such a joy to return to Merchiston. The reading culture is truly phenomenal – encouraged by the school’s wonderful librarian Rachel.
“And as an author it was such an amazing opportunity to meet young readers from Merchiston as well as lots of pupils from schools in the nearby area who were invited along to mySkandar talk in the beautiful hall. Thank you!”
Consultant Psychiatrist Nagore Penades, clinical lead for mental health at the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, encouraged people to download the app. She said: “Mental health and wellbeing are important to all of us, much as our physical health and we know that they can change quickly throughout our lives.
